When standing up means stepping down

Republican candidate, Dierdre Scozzafava, suspended her campaign for a U.S. House seat over the weekend in upstate New York. Running against a conservative Republican, she stood out as too moderate due to her support of abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

You would think Dierdre had nothing to bring to the table, but its reported she was strongly supported in the 23rd district, the area she hoped to represent. The Republican National Committee hasn't made a statement, but its likely Dierdre stepped down because of their urging. By Sunday, Dierdre threw her support behind the Democratic candidate, Bill Owens. I can't blame her for jumping to the "dark side." I have a feeling she felt betrayed by her party.

I won't guesstimate the outcome of the race, but I applaud Dierdre for stepping down. Her withdrawal may not appear as a big deal, but I think essentially Dierdre stepped down to stand up for what she believed in. Why should she have to compromise her beliefs to run on the Republican ticket? Dierdre obviously sees the benefits of allowing every person to practice their own beliefs. That's a quality I want in a candidate regardless of their republican or democratic status.

Women, start making your Moves today!

New York Go Run 2009

This weekend, I have the privilege of attending New York Go Run 2009 sponsored by The White House Project. Several months ago, I applied to attend the weekend-long training session that teaches women the in-and-outs of running for public office. Not positive I would receive a slot, I waited patiently for a response. Thankfully I received admittance!

Established in 1998, The White House Project, is a leading advocate of ensuring women are in leadership roles. Marie Wilson, President & Founder, has been fighting for women's rights for over 30 years. She also co-created Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. And she's the author of Closing the Leadership Gap: Why Women Can and Must Help Run the World. She's certainly a member of the Women Making Moves community.

The weekend is jam packed with activities. A number of women who hold public office in New York are attending to share their experiences. I plan to absorb as much knowledge as possible and share with readers of Women Making Moves. Read what other bloggers are saying about the event and check back soon for my recap of New York Go Run.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Vicki Reggie Kennedy

Over the pass several weeks, the country has celebrated the life of Senator Ted Kennedy. He was affectionately known as the 'Liberal Lion' and worked diligently with senators within the democratic party and his republican counterparts. Kennedy was admired by many and the number of people sharing their memories of him was remarkable.

Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer a little over a year ago, but I don't think many people expected him to pass so soon. As the last brother of the Kennedy dynasty, he was the rock of the family. A statement released by the family confirmed this.

In the age of technology, I learned of Senator Kennedy's death via Twitter. I was reluctant to initially believe the news, but after multiple updates from followers and research of mainstream media outlets, I accepted the truth. A Ted Kennedy hashtag (#TedKennedy) quickly sprung up on Twitter as people learned of his passing. The Kennedy's also kept the public updated about the senator's final resting place through a Twitter feed.

The love people felt for Senator Kennedy was undeniable. In the midst of the senator's memorial and burial services, Vicki Kennedy was mentioned many times for her commitment to her husband. When the couple met, both were divorced with children. Vicki recalls knowing Senator Kennedy for quite some time through her family. Friends commented that Teddy became a different person when they met. Senator Kennedy himself said he didn't expect to fall in love again after his first marriage. A fellow Louisianan, Vicki and Teddy recconnected in 1991 and married the next year. She was credited as being an amazing wife in the couple's almost 20 year marriage. When the senator fell ill, she diliglently kept family and friends updated on his condition.

Vicki's love and admiration for her husband was extremely prevelant through their courtship, marriage and as Senator Kennedy fell sick. The strength Vicki showed through this entire process deserves to be commended. She stood by her husband's side as a dedicated wife does. Vicki shared her husband and his family's legacy with the world through their entire marriage and she continued to do so during the events leading up to his burial. I continue to keep the Kennedy family in my prayers as they cope with Senator Kennedy's death and I hope you do the same. This is obviously a hard time for Vicki and I wish her well as she transitions to a life without Senator Kennedy.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Geek Girl Dinner NYC

I attended my first Geek Girl Dinner in NYC recently. Admission for these dinners can be difficult since tickets sell-out fast. Initially I was wait-listed when I went to purchase a ticket, but I was extremely excited a spot opened. I looked forward to connecting with women in the technology space. The dinners aren't exclusive to women. Men can attend if they're invited by a female attendee.

Geek Girl Dinners are held around the world. Events have taken place in Canada, Europe and a number of cities throughout the U.S. The dinners are designed to bring together women in the technology and science fields. As a PR professional, I don't work directly in those fields, but I'm always enthusiastic about immersing myself in anything involving tech. During dinner, I met a network engineer, a search engine optimization expert (SEO) and someone who works with youth to create video games. As you can see, the fields varied tremendously.

Hosts Jennifer, Melissa and Emily greeted me warmly when I arrived. The evening started with informal networking and snacks, which gave attendees and opportunity to get to know one another before the program started. Speakers included Jessica Carter, author of Double Outsiders; Cathy Erway, food blogger turned author; and Vanessa Bertozzi, Editor-in-Chief of the Esty.com Blog. Each shared their experiences on using technology to enhance their professions. The third installment of Geek Girl Dinner NYC was awesome. The next dinner is planned for December. To ensure you're notified when tickets go on sale, join the GGDNY Facebook group or follow them on Twitter. It's an event you don't want to miss.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Doral Bank Extends Women a Helping Hand

In this economy, positive news is rarely reported about the financial industry. But there is at least one company standing out among the rest. Doral Bank, based in Puerto Rico, is the only community bank on the island. Doral is a vital part of the community and continuously provides more than just financial guidance. The company is determined to be the poster child for Corporate Social Responsibility and so far, Doral is doing a great job.

One of the company's most prominent community service program is its Pink Program. The Doral Pink Account is geared towards women, who often are the financial planners of their household. The account allows women to manage all their finances in one place. Each time a Pink Account is opened, Doral makes a contribution to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puerto Rico. But Doral goes an additional step by providing free mammograms to women throughout Puerto Rico.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that almost 200,000 women are diagnosed with this form of cancer each year. And unfortunately, almost 40,000 of those women will die from the disease. To help combat these statics, Doral sponsors a Pink Mobile that travels around the island on Saturdays. Since 2008 more than 2,000 women have benefited from the services of the Pink Mobile. The mammogram screenings have become a family event. Women bring their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. The sessions also focus on self-esteem, healthy living and features breast cancer survivors. This year Doral expanded the program and expects to serve more people including men. The bank also formed an alliance with a major radiology clinic in Puerto Rico to provide medical services for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Major sponsors for the screenings include Ford and L'Oreal.

The vision of actively giving back to the community of Puerto Rico comes Doral Bank's CEO. Employees are encouraged to become involved and are voluntarily present at each Pink Mobile stop. This program is customer service at its best. Besides helping women establish financial stability, Doral Bank goes the extra mile and provides a medical service that's a necessity for women. It's refreshing to see an authentic company. What a joy in today's environment. Let's take a page from Doral Bank's book and help those around us most in need.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Ralph Lauren Supports Female Artisans in Developing Worlds

If you're visiting the Hamptons this weekend, do your part in supporting female artisans in developing worlds. On August 8, Rugby Ralph Lauren will host an exclusive shopping event in conjunction with Nest, a non-profit organization that has provided microloans and mentors to women artists since the 1970s.

Rugby's East Hampton store, located at 32 Main Street, offers casual pieces with a youthful twist. Since its 2004 launch, Rugby has provided timeless pieces. Customers can buy their favorite clothing items and purchase handmade merchandise as well as crafts from Nest designers.

For a $25 donation, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and organic cocktails. Rugby Ralph Lauren will donate 10% of all sales and donations to help Nest continue their commitment to women around the world.

This event is a great opportunity to support a charity that builds up families one woman at a time. Nest realizes that when women are empowered, stability spreads to the rest of the household. Make plans to attend this weekend's event or donate to Nest on-line. To see how your donation will help women in Israel, Mexico and Tanzania, read personal stories from Nest on its blog.

Women, start making your Moves today!

Surgeon General Nominee Dr. Regina Benjamin

I was immediately impressed with Dr. Regina Benjamin's background when President Obama nominated her for U.S. Surgeon General. She's led an impressive career, one that includes deciding to practice in a low-income community in the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic has been a staple for residents since 1987 and often doesn't charge patients who can't afford to pay. The clinic also focuses heavily on preventative illness since this hits close to home for Dr. Benjamin. She lost her father to diabetics and high-blood pressure, her mother to lung cancer and her brother from a HIV-related illness.

Personally and professionally, Dr. Benjamin has longed fought for the well-being of others. After researching her background, I had a gut feeling she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service based organization. And it was confirmed several days later when the sorority's national president announced Dr. Benjamin became a member while completing her undergraduate degree at Xavier University in New Orleans, La.

While I wasn't the only one impressed with Dr. Benjamin's background, there were also some who questioned her ability to perform the duties of Surgeon General. An article with the subtitle: "Do you have to be thin to be fit for the role of nation's Top Doc?", was published shortly after Dr. Benjamin's nomination. Dr. Arthur Caplan penned the article and defended Dr. Benjamin due to her tireless effort of serving those less fortunate. I applaud him for taking a stand on Dr. Benjamin's behalf.

I don't condone a unhealthy lifestyle, but I'm sure Dr. Benjamin is probably like many of us. With hectic work schedules and families, it can be difficult to find time to lead a healthy lifestyle. I struggle with juggling my to-do-list daily and sometimes exercise and healthy eating doesn't make the cut. It's no secret that women are confronted with these issues more than men. I'm calling on women to speak up for Dr. Benjamin. You don't have to agree with the policies of President Obama or even with the nomination of Dr. Benjamin, but we can't continue to allow society to dictate our outer appearance.

Women, start making your Moves today!